Help buying 2nd hand Rotax 582 - what to look for?

by Tim in 2 Stroke Technical Questions 7 years ago

Guys,

I'm in the process of buying my first aircraft, an early 1990's Renegade Spirit with a Rotax 582 engine.

I've found two aircraft I like. What should I be looking for (or looking out for) when I visit them this week?(particularly engine wise)

Any help or advise from those who know the engines well (known problems etc) would be really appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Help buying 2nd hand Rotax 582 - what to look for?

by Jordan Paskevich » 7 years ago

Jordan Paskevich

1 17 0

Tim

You will want the Rotax 582 To be a "Blue Head" version. The "Blue Head" Rotax 582 was produced after 1999 and the cooling system was greatly improved.

Also, you must understand that these Rotax 2 stroke engines have a 300hr OR 5 year TBO (Whichever comes first), meaning the engine must be torn down and crankshaft replaced at that time. The Rotax 582 also has a 150hr Top end inspection and decarbe procedure.

The most important feature to buying a used aircraft is maintenance log books. IF there is no good kept records of maintenance then I strongly advise the engine is taken to a reputable Rotax aircraft mechanic (A current iRMT) and inspect the engine on your behalf, OR walk away from anything that doesn't have good records.

Another thing to consider is if the engine is equipped with oil injection OR do you have to pre-mix your fuel. Obviously having oil injection is a big bonus as it saves the "pre-mixing" step.

Where was each aircraft operated and how was it operated. Was it near the coastline where moisture is present OR was it operated in Arizona with basically no moisture.

So to break it down for you:
-Is the engine a "Blue Head" or "Grey Head"
-How well is the maintenance log books filled out
-How many times was the engine overhauled (If any). Remember every 300hrs OR 5 years requires overhaul regardless if engine was being used OR just sitting. I can look up the engines S/N and tell you how old the engine is so you can determine how many times it was required to be overhauled.
-Oil injection?
-Where was aircraft operated

This above list is just the start. IF it passes the logbook inspection (from beginning of time) then you have to start looking at unproved modifications to the engine and any "non stock" settings such as carburetor main jet size, needle clip positions, modified exhaust systems etc.

I'd advise against any test flights until you look though the engine maintenance log books and everything is up-to date regarding maintenance.

Hope this helps!

Wes

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Re: Help buying 2nd hand Rotax 582 - what to look for?

by Tim » 7 years ago

Tim

1 1 0

Wes, thank you very much for the really helpful feedback. I really appreciate it. Best regards. Tim

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Help buying 2nd hand Rotax 582 - what to look for?

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